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Showing posts with label Task Farce. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Task Farce. Show all posts

Thursday, July 7, 2016

Health Canada Marijuana Task Force 21 Questions

Health Canada Marijuana Task Force 21 Questions

This  is a static copy of the document. (uploaded to Evernote)

https://www.evernote.com/shard/s288/res/1ff95136-fa04-49b3-a6f8-bccf46a2a627 
 

This is the Google Drive link. 
 
This is the document posted to Slideshare.

This is the document posted to Issuu

This is the document posted to Scribd

Google Drive PDF - where i update the document


The Government of Canada, is asking Canadians to submit their views on how to go about the 'Legalization and Regulation of Marijuana' http://healthycanadians.gc.ca/health-system-systeme-sante/consultations/legalization-marijuana-legalisation/index-eng.php

As you probably already know, i don't support regulation, as it's a Plant, and a herb.  The PDF document discussion paper from Health Canada even states that 'A marijuana overdose is not fatal'.   So WHY should it even be regulated at all??  It seems silly that it's even in the CDSA (Controlled Drugs and Substances Act) in the 1st place.  I'm calling for the removal of cannabis from the CDSA, and let the provinces, first nations, territories do what they like. 

I've gone through, and posted each of the 21 Questions that are asked, and made them as blog posts.  (as well as put it in the Document, and made an Evernote post about it.   From now until August 20th (or so) I'll submit my version earlier than the 29th, i'm asking for your input on this, so my answers will be what more people like.   I'm sending a copy of my answers to all MPs and Senators, so perhaps my views could be noticed more than most, so i want to make them as clear as possable.

Here's the Questions and links, please comment below each blog post with your views/answers so to best help everyone. 
Thanks!
Sam Vekemans
Victoria (Songhees) BC

Health Canada Marijuana Task Force Q1 - Do you believe that these measures are appropriate to achieve the overarching objectives to minimize harms, and in particular to protect children and youth?

Health Canada Marijuana Task Force Q2 - Are there other actions which the Government should consider enacting alongside these measures?

Health Canada Marijuana Task Force Q3 - What are your views on the minimum age for purchasing and possessing marijuana?

Health Canada Marijuana Task Force Q4 - Should the minimum age be consistent across Canada, or is it acceptable that there be variation amongst provinces and territories?

Health Canada Marijuana Task Force Q5 - What are your views on the most appropriate production model?

Health Canada Marijuana Task Force Q6 - Which production model would best meet consumer demand while ensuring that public health and safety objectives are achievable?

Health Canada Marijuana Task Force Q7 - What level and type of regulation is needed for producers?

Health Canada Marijuana Task Force Q8 - To what extent, if any, should home cultivation be allowed in a legalized system?

Health Canada Marijuana Task Force Q9 - What, if any, government oversight should be put in place?

Health Canada Marijuana Task Force Q10 - Should a system of licensing or other fees be introduced?

Health Canada Marijuana Task Force Q11 - The MMPR set out rigorous requirements over the production, packaging, storage and distribution of marijuana. Are these types of requirements appropriate for the new system?

Health Canada Marijuana Task Force Q12 - Are there features that you would add, or remove?

Health Canada Marijuana Task Force Q13 - What role, if any, should existing licensed producers under the MMPR have in the new system (either in the interim or the long-term)?

Health Canada Marijuana Task Force Q14 - Which distribution model makes the most sense and why?

Health Canada Marijuana Task Force Q15 - To what extent is variation across provinces and territories in terms of distribution models acceptable?

Health Canada Marijuana Task Force Q16 - Are there other models worthy of consideration?

Health Canada Marijuana Task Force Q17 - How should governments approach designing laws that will reduce, eliminate and punish those who operate outside the boundaries of the new legal system for marijuana?

Health Canada Marijuana Task Force Q18 - What specific tools, training and guidelines will be most effective in supporting enforcement measures to protect public health and safety, particularly for impaired driving?


Health Canada Marijuana Task Force Q20 - Under what conditions and circumstances?  (Should consumption of marijuana be allowed in any publicly-accessible spaces outside the home)

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Saturday, July 2, 2016

Health Canada Marijuana Task Force Q21 - What factors should the government consider in determining if appropriate access to medically authorized persons is provided once a system for legal access to marijuana is in place?



What factors should the government consider in determining if appropriate access to medically authorized persons is provided once a system for legal access to marijuana is in place?

None.

How to participate

Provide feedback on accessing marijuana for medical purposes by completing the online consultation.
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Health Canada Marijuana Task Force Q20 - Under what conditions and circumstances?

Under what conditions and circumstances? 
 (Should consumption of marijuana be allowed in any publicly-accessible spaces outside the home)

http://healthycanadians.gc.ca/health-system-systeme-sante/consultations/legalization-marijuana-legalisation/public-safety-protection-securite-public-eng.php

What type of cannabis? There should be no conditions.   Or rather, for smoking in the joint form, just not near doorways to public buildings. But these are all MUNICIPAL regulations. The Federal Government should have nothing todo with this. 

Cannabis - in its juiced form, should most certainly be allowed on a bus. Its not dangerous.  As long as its in a close-able container.
And cannabis is far less of a riskier than cigarettes.



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Health Canada Marijuana Task Force Q19 - Should consumption of marijuana be allowed in any publicly-accessible spaces outside the home?

See Evernote link  for latest version.


Should consumption of marijuana be allowed in any publicly-accessible spaces outside the home? 


Yes.  No conditions.  Cannabis does not cause death. It's not dangerous.
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Health Canada Marijuana Task Force Q18 - What specific tools, training and guidelines will be most effective in supporting enforcement measures to protect public health and safety, particularly for impaired driving?

What specific tools, training and guidelines will be most effective in supporting enforcement measures to protect public health and safety, particularly for impaired driving?


Same as alcohol.
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Health Canada Marijuana Task Force Q17 - How should governments approach designing laws that will reduce, eliminate and punish those who operate outside the boundaries of the new legal system for marijuana?

How should governments approach designing laws that will reduce, eliminate and punish those who operate outside the boundaries of the new legal system for marijuana?


None. Cannabis use is NOT FATAL!!!
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Health Canada Marijuana Task Force Q16 - Are there other models worthy of consideration?

Are there other models worthy of consideration?


Portugal.  Be BOLD.  Don't be a follower, be a LEADER that you claim to be.   Just remove cannabis from the CDSA, as a matter of public interest, and let the provinces sort it out.
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Health Canada Marijuana Task Force Q15 - To what extent is variation across provinces and territories in terms of distribution models acceptable?

To what extent is variation across provinces and territories in terms of distribution models acceptable?


Best practices will be quickly found out.
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Health Canada Marijuana Task Force Q14 - Which distribution model makes the most sense and why?

Which distribution model makes the most sense and why?

Possible Options

  1. Phased-in approach to distribution: In the initial stages of legalizing marijuana, only allowing a proven system of distribution (e.g., through the mail, as is currently done in the medical marijuana regime) could minimize the risks of uncontrolled/illegal retail sales outlined above. This system could enable access for adults while using caution in taking a step that may inadvertently put youth at increased risk.
  2. Storefronts: On the other hand, allowing for some ability for the sale of marijuana to occur in a legal, regulated retail environment may be required in order to provide an alternative to the current illegal sellers that exist in certain Canadian cities. Ensuring that the marijuana sold in such establishments comes from a legal source would be critical.
  3. Local choice: Alternatively, decisions on appropriate distribution mechanisms could be left to provincial and territorial governments to determine the best approach based on their unique circumstances. This scenario could result in different models being adopted across the country.


The question is a loaded one.  Storefronts should be permitted, as well as local choice. Best practices will soon be found out, then rules will be changed accordingly.  No laws should be written in stone.
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Health Canada Marijuana Task Force Q13 - What role, if any, should existing licensed producers under the MMPR have in the new system (either in the interim or the long-term)?

What role, if any, should existing licensed producers under the MMPR have in the new system (either in the interim or the long-term)?


None.
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Health Canada Marijuana Task Force Q12 - Are there features that you would add, or remove?

Are there features that you would add, or remove? (of the MMPR)


No. The MMPR should be repealed, and no restrictions needed.
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Health Canada Marijuana Task Force Q11 - The MMPR set out rigorous requirements over the production, packaging, storage and distribution of marijuana. Are these types of requirements appropriate for the new system?

See evernote for latest version
https://www.evernote.com/shard/s288/sh/7415bc88-9c58-4438-8ca9-784ddbe5fbfc/a5df852404122ca9ce74f999c608b599

The MMPR set out rigorous requirements over the production, packaging, storage and distribution of marijuana. Are these types of requirements appropriate for the new system?


The MMPR should be repealed, and no restrictions needed.
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Health Canada Marijuana Task Force Q10 - Should a system of licensing or other fees be introduced?

See evernote for latest version



Should a system of licensing or other fees be introduced?


No. A system of licensing or other fees should not be introduced.



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Health Canada Marijuana Task Force Q9 - What, if any, government oversight should be put in place?

See Evernote for latest version
https://www.evernote.com/shard/s288/sh/591fd8f1-01f3-406b-bd9e-a31b1f62137e/0836e9634e3fefb525bf2cfec8fcd333

What, if any, government oversight should be put in place?


None. No government oversight should be put in place.
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Health Canada Marijuana Task Force Q8 - To what extent, if any, should home cultivation be allowed in a legalized system?


To what extent, if any, should home cultivation be allowed in a legalized system? 


100% home. Because then quality can be known.  You know what you are growing.  In a fully legal system, you can call on experts, and perhaps even at Home Depot in the gardening section, you will be able to ask local experts for advice on how to build a proper lighting and grow system. 

The question is a bias 'if any' because it assumes that the public does not want home cultivation, rather than simply asking for public input, you are slanting the question to produce an expected result.


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Health Canada Marijuana Task Force Q7 - What level and type of regulation is needed for producers?

Copy / Paste (from page 17)

What level and type of regulation is needed for producers?


Experience has shown that the Designated Grower model is successful. Let people grow at home.
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Health Canada Marijuana Task Force Q6 - Which production model would best meet consumer demand while ensuring that public health and safety objectives are achievable?

Copy / Paste

Which production model would best meet consumer demand while ensuring that public health and safety objectives are achievable?


From the options





These don't look like actual 'options', because hope production as well as Good productions practices and Product packaging and labelling requirements are 3 things needed.   It seems that this question is loaded to produce the expected answer.
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Health Canada Marijuana Task Force Q5 - What are your views on the most appropriate production model?

Copy / Paste

What are your views on the most appropriate production model? 

Possible Options

  1. Production Model: Experience with both home cultivation and government-controlled production in the context of relatively small numbers of medical users suggests neither approach would be in the public interest in the context of the larger numbers of users expected in a legalized market. Therefore, some form of private sector production with appropriate government licensing and oversight could allow for safe and secure production of legal marijuana with adequate choice (both price and strain) for consumers.
  2. Good production practices: In general, ingestible products must meet certain quality standards. In the medical marijuana regime, Health Canada has established product content and production controls that have proven effective in minimizing risks to clients. Similarly, safeguards could be put in place to ensure that marijuana is produced and stored in sanitary and secure conditions. There could be strict security requirements to minimize the possibility of diversion. Controls could be placed on pesticides that can be used, and on microbial and chemical contaminants. Marijuana could also be subject to analytical testing so that those consuming can be reliably advised of its contents, particularly amounts of THC and CBD.
  3. Product packaging and labelling: The way in which products are packaged and labelled offers an opportunity to minimize the harms of marijuana, particularly for children and youth. Measures to consider implementing include: child-proof packaging to prevent accidental ingestion by children; and, labels on packages to contain both important information about the product (e.g., THC and CBD content) as well as appropriate health warning messages.


Neither option.  It's actually been proven that home grown cannabis IS actually safe.  The only reason that there could be problems is that there is a very short supply of professional gardeners and botanical experts to consult.  You could go to a local garden centre, but they wont be able to provide advice on how to grow cannabis (because it's illegal).
If it was simply removed from the CDSA, then actual experience would be known.



Because cannabis does not cause death, there should not be concern about the products. 
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Health Canada Marijuana Task Force Q4 - Should the minimum age be consistent across Canada, or is it acceptable that there be variation amongst provinces and territories?

Copy / Paste

Should the minimum age be consistent across Canada, or is it acceptable that there be variation amongst provinces and territories?


The reason for letting the provinces decide is because it puts it at the same level as alcohol.  We (the authors of this document) believe that Cannabis should not be controlled by the federal government, in anyway.  Selecting the option for a Canada-wide minimum age, implies that there are some regulations to be put in place in the form of a new Act or set or regulations or amendments to existing Acts or Regulations.  This is something we don’t want.  
It is acceptable that there would be variation amongst provinces and territories because it should
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Health Canada Marijuana Task Force Q3 - What are your views on the minimum age for purchasing and possessing marijuana?

Copy/Paste

What are your views on the minimum age for purchasing and possessing marijuana? 


There is no real need to have a minimum age for purchasing and possessing marijuana.   There should, however, be simple packaging and signage requirements that recommend to be used for adults.  

The reason for this, is that age limits and the decision for what is classified as an 'adult' is really arbiturary.   Considering that at 16 an individual is allowed to get a drivers licence, to drive a vehicle capable of killing, there is some assurance that the person driving will be smart enough to handle it.  This is why there is a road test done, where a licence is considered a privelage, and not a right.   Driving a vehicle can cause death.

Considering that no deaths are caused when consuming cannabis, the only 'danger' is a short term 'high'.   This wares off after a few hours with some food and rest.  

In Europe for example, Alcohol is available at grocery stores.   But alcohol has the negetive effects of being a social disturbance.  In Mexico, you can buy alcohol in the grocery store, next to water, Cola and Fanta.   Because it available, there is no 'you can't have that' signs.  
It's natural to want what we can't have.

By removing the temptation, with simply having it available, this removes the social 'need to impress'.   It's not a big deal to have a cellphone.   And it's not known what effects cellphones have on the brain.     However, if there was a legal restriction  on getting a cellphone, say at 16, then those at 13 would be wanting one.

13 - Age minimum for getting a Google account.  This also isn't needed.   However. ..

https://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legal_drinking_age


"The legal drinking age is the age at which a person can consume or purchase alcoholic beverages. These laws cover a wide range of issues and behaviors, addressing when and where alcohol can be consumed. The minimum age alcohol can be legally consumed can be different from the age when it can be purchased in some countries. These laws vary among different countries and many laws have exemptions or special circumstances. Most laws apply only to drinking alcohol in public places, with alcohol consumption in the home being mostly unregulated (an exception being the UK, which has a minimum legal age of five for supervised consumption in private places). Some countries also have different age limits for different types of alcoholic drinks."

It seems reasonable to equate the consumption of Alcohol with the consumption of Cannabis.   Considering that Cannabis can be served in the form of a beverage such as a juice, or a tea, or a frozen drink. 

When trying to decide on an appropriate age for consumption, it is important to identify the underlying reason for this. 
Is the public in any danger when someone consumes cannabis?   The answer is no.    There is more danger when people are consuming alcohol.

Barbados
"Those aged 10–17 are allowed to consume alcohol provided they are with a parent or guardian."

It seems reasonable to let the parent or guardian decide what is best, regardless of the age.    Education on responsable consuption should be done at the home.   Considering that no deaths are resulting from consuming cannabis, the risks are very minimal.

A greater risk for kids is an electric train set, as an adult should be present to explain the consept of electricity.   However, a small volt of electricity would no cause death.... just a shalk... enough that kids would take notice, and be careful. 
Licking a battery top is more dangerous than can cannabis.

Why is there a mimum age for alcohol?

The answer is not directly clear,  in the US there is the Alcohol age Act. Where Canada followed.

In Canada


Its clear that Alcohol is a National Priority,
http://www.ccsa.ca/Eng/topics/alcohol/Pages/default.aspx   However, considering the fact that the Harm associated with Cannabis is really unclear.

Perhaps after cannabis simply is removed from the CDSA, and the provinces set their own regulations, THEN a national strategy is needed.   Since death does not occur when consuming cannabis, the cause for concern seems rather irrational.

I agree that people even admit to consuming cannabis as recreational... even though it's illegal.  But the harms associated with cannabis does not justify a restriction with age limit.

Perhaps after 10 years of having no federal regulations in place, a proper study can be done to see what negative effects are shown.

Age for Babysitting

" Not all children are responsible enough by the age of 12 years, for instance, to babysit other children. It is important to know that there is no age specified by law for babysitting. It is a matter of the parent determining if a teenager is responsible enough to provide a safe environment for their younger children."

At What Age Can a Child be Left Home Alone?

Contrary to most peoples’ perception, there is not specific age at which a child can be left unattended. The Child and Family Services Act states that parents of children under the age of 16 years, must make “reasonable provisions” for their care. This requires parents to ensure that if they leave their children at home alone, that they have made appropriate efforts to ensure their children’s safety. This must go hand in hand with a common sense approach, for instance, ensuring children have emergency phone numbers, are mature and responsible and are not left for long periods of time without adult supervision. CAS strongly suggests parents not to leave a child under the age of ten (10) alone. If the child is under the age of ten (10) and CAS intervenes, the onus is on the parent to provide reasons and rationale to CAS that their child has not been left in a potentially harmful situation. In addition, the Criminal Code of Canada includes the offence of abandoning a child. Everyone who unlawfully abandons or exposes a child who is under the age of 10 years, so that his/her life is or is likely to be endangered, or his/her health is or is likely to be permanently injured, is guilty of an offence that carries a penalty of imprisonment of not more than two (2) years.

The Criminal code of Canada - copied here for reference.

Criminal Code (R.S.C., 1985, c. C-46)
Abandoning child
218 Every one who unlawfully abandons or exposes a child who is under the age of ten years, so that its life is or is likely to be endangered or its health is or is likely to be permanently injured,
  • (a) is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years; or
  • (b) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding eighteen months.
  • R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 218;
  •  2005, c. 32, s. 12.

Selection Guidelines:
Age should not always be the determining factor. Although the minimum age recommended by Halton CAS and Halton Community Standards for a babysitter is 12, not every 12 year old or teenager is mature enough to care for a baby or a child. Take the time to get to know the prospective babysitter and use your discretion to determine if they seem to have a strong sense of responsibility to care of your child. Has the sitter taken a babysitting course or First Aid? Courses are available from Red Cross, St. John's Ambulance, Parks and Recreation and the Board of Education. Reference checks are important. Even if you know the potential babysitter well, do not hesitate to contact other parents who have used his or her services. Even though the sitter may be a wonderful neighbour, he or she may not have the skills or maturity to look after children. Older siblings are not always the best candidates for babysitting a younger child. Some may resent the expectation placed on them to provide care for the younger child. Parents should ensure that they are making supervision decisions with their child’s best interest and safety in mind, not for financial or convenience reasons.





If a child is old enough, at the age of 12 to babysit another HUMAN BEING and has had First Aid Training, what reasonable grounds are there to restrict the consumption of cannabis?   The child would certainly be old enough to be able to read the label on the package, and see what effects that cannabis has.    Just like how a child of 12 should know enough to not give a baby coke.  And the child is old enough to handle an exacto knife, and glass mirror and a straw.   But RESPONSIBLE to know that it's not healthy option.

A child of the age of 12 should be old enough to know and understand when coke is put onto a coin (and old penny) in a small shot glass, to see that when left for a few weeks, the penny will dissolve 
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